THE LONELY STAR (Contd. from BD birthday party)

[piosenniel]

The elves secured the skiff to the ship and climbed aboard, only to be greeted by the obviously irritated Mithadan.

'We said we'd return soon and here we are - barely gone enough time for you to grow so irritated.' Tule removed his cape, warm after the exertions of rowing. 'You will be happy to know another piece of the puzzle has fallen into place, despite my error in thinking we could use a palantír.'

'Oh, yes?' returned the man, less gruffly, but still not mollified. 'And what pray tell is that piece?'

'Mithadan, relax just a little! I do not mean to have you think I keep things from you. I did not think you needed to pass on each thing that pertains to our planning for Númenor. Next time though I will be more thoughtful and let you know what I am thinking.' He ran his fingers through his unruly hair. 'So - we returned to the Second Age. I needed to find someone I could use as a contact for our call to the Teleri, and I was able to do so. Now all we need do is determine when to call them. Will you be free later to assist with that?'

A sly, catlike smile creased the man's face. 'Why of course, I can assist! Right after dinner.'

'You're not making fish stew again tonight, are you?' asked the unsuspecting elf, wondering if he could ferret out some old bread and fruit from the hold.

'No, you are!' said the man, his eyes twinkling in delight at the expression on the elf's face. 'You and your travelling companion there.' he said, pointing at Veritas. 'Best hurry! The crew will be getting hungry soon.' He walked off, laughing to himself. The two elves looked at each other and grinned behind his retreating back.